The perfect baked potato is crispy on the outside and pillowy in the middle.

The perfect baked potato is crispy on the outside and pillowy in the middle. Cracked open and still steaming, it's ready to receive anything from a sprinkle of cheese to last night's stew. Here's how to make them.

Baking a potato in the oven does require a little more time zapping it in the microwave, but it's mostly hands off time. You can walk in the door, throw a few potatoes in oven while it's still warming up, and carry on with your after-work routine until they're ready to eat. Just don't forget to set a timer!

Russets are the best for baking like this. The skins are thicker and the starchy interior has a sweet flavor and fluffy texture when baked. Russets are also typically fairly large. One of them per person makes a good side dish or meal on its own.

How to Bake a Potato

What You Need

Ingredients

One russet potato per person
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper

Equipment

A fork
A baking sheet covered in foil

Instructions

1. Heat the Oven to 425°F - Turn on the oven while you're preparing the potatoes.

2. Scrub the Potatoes - Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them dry. You don't have to remove the eyes, but trim away any blemishes with a paring knife.

3. Season the Potatoes - Rub the potatoes all over with a little olive oil. It's easiest to use your hands, but a pastry brush also works fine. Generously sprinkle the potatoes on all sides with salt and pepper.

4. Prick with a Fork - Prick the potatoes in a few places with the tines of a fork. This allows steam to escape from the baking potato.

5. Bake the Potatoes - You can bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack, or you can place them a few inches apart on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake the potatoes for 50-60 minutes. Flip them over every 20 minutes or so and check them for doneness by piercing them with a fork. Potatoes are done when the skins are dry and the insides feel completely soft when pierced.

Additional Notes:

• To cut down the baking time, microwave the potatoes for 3-4 minutes in the microwave before baking.

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Emma is the recipe editor for The Kitchn and a graduate of the Cambridge School for Culinary Arts. She is the author of True Brews and Brew Better Beer (Spring 2015). Check out her personal blog for more cooking stories.